A trophic mass balance model of the eastern Chukchi Sea with comparisons to other high-latitude systems

摘要: The Chukchi Sea is a seasonally ice-covered, marginal Arctic-shelf sea that possesses both large petroleum reserves and abundant biological communities, including migratory mammals seabirds. We developed mass balance food web model for the eastern to evaluate trophic structure of this ecosystem compare properties those other high-latitude marine ecosystems. compiled data on biomass levels, diet composition, demographic rates (production, consumption), fishery removals, used these construct an Ecopath model. majority was concentrated in benthic invertebrates most flow above level 2.0 through groups. found density estimates fish groups derived from trawl survey using area-swept methods were insufficient match consumptive demands predators, densities needed be several-fold greater meet modeled demand. also set system metrics common modeling framework highlight differences between systems. extent dominance observed unique among systems examined, terms associated flows pelagic components. In relation total density, had low production when compared with systems, lower turnover rate suggests recovery disturbance might slow.